"I've tried the Martin coated strings, didn't care for them as much- I got a lot of finger squeaks."

Try fingerease, and lift off when not sliding.

ummm I had a set of high priced Martins on my new Guitar but restrung with the Martin Marquis, a lower end type of string. Funny thing about strings, you'd think that every pack is the same, but it ain't.

I play both fingerpicking style and flatpick. These strings are very nice for fingerstyle, but I am using the plastic thumbpick to get that crunchy sound out of my box, a DM jumbo.

Flatpicking unless you are really hot, a rare thing these days, is for the crows and those who don't have a life besides playing, I can't be bothered, besides if I really wanted to get down on a reel or jig I can do it on the fiddal ...

My Guitaring is 100% fun, or I ain't playing, no matter how many times I get asked by folks, even IF they are hot on the fuddle, still can't be bothered... all that egoing and staring..gives me the creepies...